ABLE Account Decision Guide Series

Determining Whether Something is a Qualified Disability Expense (QDE)

Supplies for COVID-19 as a Health, Prevention and Wellness QDE

→Traditional costs: These QDE categories can be used for a range of health and wellness-related costs and include payments for an individual’s share of health insurance premiums or copayments for things like doctor visits or prescription drugs.

→COVID-19 costs: The use of hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and protective masks, for example, are being used by many Americans aiming to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These would be appropriate purchases through an ABLE account when not covered through other programs.

The designated beneficiary should first look for any cost-free sources for these items such as their local Center for Independent Living or Medicaid waiver program.

This could include public and private health insurance plans. Also, many state and local government agencies, as well as not-for-profit agencies, have made one or more of these items available for free at community pick-ups sites throughout the country.

↵ restart

Note: Our ABLE Decision Guide Series is designed as an aid to decision making as it relates to establishing and using an ABLE account. This document does not cover every possible issue related to the topic and is not a substitute to more in-depth analysis that may be required in some cases.